12 suspected bandits in military camouflage were neutralized during shootout with personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce on Wednesday in Benue State.
Spokesperson for the Nigeria police Command in Benue State, CSP Catherine Anene in a statement, said a police officer was also killed during when Taskforce embarked on the operation on 19th March 2025 at about 0200hrs.
She said some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku Local Government Area, where personnel ran into an ambush laid by the criminal gang who were countered with a superior fire power, and subdued during gun battle.
Recall that on 6th March 2025 the Nigeria Police Commissioner State Command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet had ordered Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to clampdown on criminals in the State during the usual monthly conference as he had noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.
The statement stated that most of the bandits lost their life battle at hospital as result of bullet wounds, while others escaped, according to the statement, which also confirmed the recovery of assorted rifles, military camouflage and charms from the criminal gang.
Part of the statement reads, “At the end of the cross fire, twelve (12) bandits were neutralised while others escaped. The injured bandits were taken to the hospital were they were confirmed dead and deposited at the hospital morgue.
“Unfortunately, one of the police team members; Inspector Terfa Anyiatse sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.
“Items recovered from them include; three (3) AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms”, according to the police.
While commiserating with family and friends of the deceased officer, the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet, prayed for the repose of his soul.
He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.
Similarly, operations carried out around Daudu and Makurdi by various Divisions led to the recovery of seven (7) locally made pistols, arrest of five (5) suspected robbers and thirty two (32) suspected cultist. Investigation is ongoing.
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